Our prediction for this MLS match:
Allianz Field will host Sunday’s MLS game between Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake, the two teams who sit in the opposite halves of the table. The Loons quickly bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami, with the team shocking Los Angeles Galaxy on the road. Minnesota United did well to put an end to their three-game losing run, but they do not want to stop now. Rosales is widely expected to replace Arriaga in the starting XI as the later limped off with injury against LA Galaxy, while the opposition back line should have Emanuel Reynoso at bay.
The Royals, on the other hand, played out a goalless draw with Columbus Crew in their last league fixture. Real Salt Lake, though, have already suffered four defeats on the road this season, which is probably the main reason why we are going to bet on the hosts. All Damir Kreilach, Bret Halsey, and Zack Farnsworth are injured for the visiting side.
Highlighted Player (Jukka Raitala):
Columbus Crew full back Jukka Raitala was born in Kerava, Finland on September 15, 1988. Raitala started his senior career at Klubi-04 and after making 22 league appearances for the club, he moved to HJK in 2007. After ending his spell with Helsinki, the Finland international signed a loan deal with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
During his spell with die Kraichgauer he appeared for the reserve team as well and in 2011 he was loaned again, this time out to Osasuna. On August 28, 2011 he made his Primera Division debut with los Rojillos playing as a left back against Atletico Madrid. Raitala played for the likes of Heerenveen, FC Vestsjaelland, Aalborg and Sogndal in the past as well he signed for Columbus Crew for the 2017 season.
The Columbus defender made his Finland debut on February 4, 2009 in a friendly against Japan. It has to be noted that he represented Finland at the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in 2009.
Highlighted Team (Real Salt Lake):
Real Salt Lake joined Major League Soccer in 2005 as an expansion team of the league and four years later they won their first MLS Cup. The Royals faced star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy in the title game at Qwest Field in Seattle and Jason Kreis’ troops defeated David Beckham and Co. on penalties.
In 2013 Real Salt Lake made it to the MLS Cup final for the second time in the club’s history, but they were beaten by Sporting Kansas City on penalties this time out. The Royals participated in the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011 as well, but Monterrey of Mexico eventually won the title. Real Salt Lake footballers wear red shirts and blue shorts when playing at home, while the colour of their away kit is white.
The likes of Clint Mathis, Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Pope are some of the notable footballers who played for the club in the past. Jeff Cunningham scored 19 goals in 32 appearances in the league for the Royals.